Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Ah, the wonders of the Internet.I was still in Fort Lauderdale, awaiting a flight back from Monday night’s Orange Bowl, when the Panthers held their 11 a.m. news conference Tuesday. But I was able to watch Panther owner Jerry Richardson take questions from my colleagues over the Internet. Here are five quick thoughts on what I thought was a rather extraordinary 30 minutes, as Richardson, 74, so rarely graces the media with his presence:

1) Richardson was really feisty. From forcing one TV reporter he wanted to tease to sit in the front row to drawing on his legal pad to explain how the owners are getting the short end of the NFL money stick to telling the room he was likely going to live a lot longer than they think he will, Richardson was combative, funny and opinionated. I was really glad to see all three of those characteristics – that’s Richardson at his best. Health-wise, he’s obviously feeling good. There were a few uncomfortable moments in the press conference, but by and large I thought Richardson got his points across.

2) Richardson (and Panthers general manager Marty Hurney) seemed committed to hiring an NFL assistant coach as their next head coach. So forget Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh (who won’t care, as he has tons of other options). Forget any other collegiate coach. Forget Jon Gruden or Bill Cowher or Brian Billick. It looks like the next John Fox of 2002 is coming down the pike, whether it’s Perry Fewell, Ron Rivera or whomoever. And Hurney said the search would be done “expeditiously” – I’m betting it is over in the next 5-10 days. Hiring an established NFL assistant won’t sell tickets, but it has worked (sort of) for Carolina twice in the past with Fox and Dom Capers.

3) Richardson’s reputation as a hard-line owner is not misplaced. When he talked about the players’ union representatives, you could almost see fire coming out of the owner’s nostrils. When he said the union reps told the owners they wanted “more money, more benefits and we want to work less,” same thing. When he said he “wasn’t optimistic” that much progress was being made toward a new collective-bargaining agreement, you got the sense that Richardson will be stunned if there is an agreement before the early March lockout date.

4) Richardson hates being called cheap. One of the more interesting numbers he mentioned: $11,441,000, which is apparently what the total payroll for all the recently-departed Panther coaches was for 2010. Richardson said this was the fifth-highest coaching payroll in the league, and he acted like he would write all those checks again – if he could get back-to-back winning seasons, which the Panthers have never had. (Richardson also indicated he didn’t think the Panthers would trade away the No.1 draft pick of 2011, which is a bonus for those like me who think Andrew Luck could be the next Peyton Manning).

5) Richardson’s succession plan is still very much in flux. While the owner said his new heart should keep him around for a long time, he also revealed he owns 48 percent of the team and his 14 partners own the other 52 percent. He said he plans to own the team until he dies – “I intend to own the team as long as I live” was the quote -- but beyond then what happens? Richardson wouldn’t say, saying he was focused more on the short term. I wonder what sons Mark and Jon Richardson thought while they were watching this press conference.

Why we spend so much time talking Andrew Luck amazes me. I would suspect with Luck being ONLY a red shirted Sophomore with two more years of eligibility that he will NOT choose to go pro this year in part due to the huge uncertainty of a lockout. I would bet Harbaugh would Prefer to continue living near San Fran and that the San Francisco team would be a much bigger draw for him. But for Jerry Richardson to imply he hasn't even "thought" about Harbaugh, or remember that Harbaugh played for the Panthers before, was stunning.

Richardson said he thought our young players played well this year. You don't get the #1 pick by playing well Jerry. The fact that you said this and that Marty Hurney still has a job shows what out of touch with reality you are.

JR showed he was a cheap ass. He said he lost faith in Fox and co and kept them around because he didn't want to pay them and a new coach. Said he was willing to pay for coaches, but is insisting on a cheap asst. coach. That is NFL cheap. Plus, he acted like he didn't even know who Harbaugh was, then he insulted him. Way to entice Luck to come out. Can't we get a good owner, like Al Davis.

Why would Luck NOT come out? His coach will be gone, and most importantly, the new labor agreement will slash the rookie pay scale! Why lose millions and risk injury when you're the guaranteed #1 pick this year? Even if there's a lockout, he still gets his $.

Why would Luck NOT come out? His coach will be gone, and most importantly, the new labor agreement will slash the rookie pay scale! Why lose millions and risk injury when you're the guaranteed #1 pick this year? Even if there's a lockout, he still gets his $.

The good news is that JR doesn't do technology so he won't see all these boneheaded comments.

It was interesting watching him speak for the first time (for me anyways). The banter with the reports was really really awkward. Perhaps a way to intimidate them or something who knows.

It was an ok conference. Wish it could have ran much longer though. So we know this. #1 draft pick is probably a lock, hiring Assistant coach is likely (nobody from college rankings), JR is going to spend money as needed to get this back to a winning team, and that blonde reporter who got upgraded seats in the front row was a cutie.

cheap (chp)adj. cheap·er, cheap·est1.a. Relatively low in cost; inexpensive or comparatively inexpensive.b. Charging low prices: a cheap restaurant.2.a. Obtainable at a low rate of interest. Used especially of money.b. Devalued, as in buying power: cheap dollars.3. Achieved with little effort: a cheap victory; cheap laughs.4. Of or considered of small value: in wartime, when life was cheap.5. Of poor quality; inferior: a cheap toy.6. Worthy of no respect; vulgar or contemptible: a cheap gangster.7. Stingy; miserly.adv. cheaper, cheapestInexpensively: got the new car cheap.Idioms:cheap at twice the priceExtremely inexpensive.on the cheapBy inexpensive means; cheaply: traveled to Europe on the cheap.

Does anyone else have a weird suspicion that this year's awful performance was somehow, dare I say "staged" so that we could get the 1st round draft pick and unload all the veteran (read $$$$) players? I mean think about it. JR knows if he unloads tons of talent, he's positioned himself well for a lockout by saving gobs of money. And in the process he has a team that is not only saving money but isn't capable of having any kind of success for the season. Did he sacrifice this year to save cash and get a 1st overall? Just mindless meanderings....what do you think?

1-JR can not operate a cell phone or e-mail but is running an NFL franchise in the year 2011. (Yes, running it into the ground still counts.)2-JR is a creepy, old man who makes female reporters move closer to him so he can see them better. (Perverted, Yes!)3-The only thing that fans can do to force a change is to quit buying tickets. Sponsors and “sellout” crowds are what matters to JR.4-JR is looking for someone that fits “his system.” We’ll with only 4 out of 15 winning seasons; he should really be changing “his system.”5-The reporters at the conference are a bunch of JR lackeys. We know why he fired Fox and who cares. Ask a real question!6-Luck should stay in college.

1-JR can not operate a cell phone or e-mail but is running an NFL franchise in the year 2011. (Yes, running it into the ground still counts.)2-JR is a creepy, old man who makes female reporters move closer to him so he can see them better. (Perverted, Yes!)3-The only thing that fans can do to force a change is to quit buying tickets. Sponsors and “sellout” crowds are what matters to JR.4-JR is looking for someone that fits “his system.” We’ll with only 4 out of 15 winning seasons; he should really be changing “his system.”5-The reporters at the conference are a bunch of JR lackeys. We know why he fired Fox and who cares. Ask a real question!6-Luck should stay in college.

I said back in August that cutting most of the vets and getting the payroll under $70 million was done precisely to prepare for the work stoppage and the new CBA. If the owners win and the cap is sliced in half, we're the only team in the league that doesn't have to cut 30 players to get under it. If the players win and things go on as before, no one has more cap room to address needs in free agency. I thought it was a good strategy because I never envisioned us playing this poorly - specifically, I never envisioned the offensive line being so bloody awful. Jordan Gross making the Pro Bowl is the biggest joke of the 21st century. The entire line needs to be sent packing (though with Gross's contract, he's not going anywhere). How does anyone know if Clausen can play or not? He never gets more than 1.1 seconds to throw the ball. This leads to panic, which leads to interceptions and pick-6s. I wish we would trade the #1 pick to another bad team who is desperate to get Luck and will give us a 2nd-round pick in addition to the 1st-round position swap. We might need a QB, but we absolutely need at least 2 offensive lineman, a DT, a CB, and probably a top-flight receiver (in case you didn't notice, Steve Smith has lost it).

As for the coach, I don't mind the coordinator approach. It has worked (See Tomlin, Mike; Ryan, Rex; Smith, Lovie; Payton, Sean; Smith, Mike; Harbaugh, Jon). I do NOT want Fewell or Rivera - their defenses stunk when it mattered most. Since JR has a fetish for "up-and-coming" defensive coordinators, how about Sean McDermott of Philly - you know, a D-coordinator from a team that actually plays good defense?

Well there you go.....the real "JR" came out today in Richardson's news conference. It is a business....And Jerry is gonna protect himself and the 14 other "owners" come Hell or high water first and then let the crumbs fall the fan's way!

The Panthers wll not hire a "name" coach like Harbaugh of Bill Cowher. They will hire some unknown assistant coach from another team (to protect Marty Hurney from a strong coach since Hurney is management's guy making sure it keeps conrol of the team). Andrew Luck would be mad to come out and sign with this bunch running the Panthers; they don''t want to pay Number 1 money anyway. The bought and paid for broadcasting crew started foreshodowing this during Monday night "Panther Talk," which incredibly never mentioned Fox or had him as a guest or did a retrospective of his tenure, when they started talking about alternatives to Andred Luck (non-quarterbacks) and when a guest said that the hapless Jimmy Clausen scored out with Luck-like talent numbers before the draft..

Jerry displayed a level of arrogance that made me lose a lot of respect for the man. Why go after reporters for asking tough questions? It seemed like the press conference was more to criticize the media and fans for questioning his decisions, rather than address anything related to the future of the Carolina Panthers. I think he left most fans with more questions than answers. The proof is in the pudding, we are the worst team in the National Football League.

I also loved his response to the question of why he made the roster moves coming into last season. If you wanted to force John Fox to play the younger players since you knew he would go with veterans, why not just get a coach that will do what you say, rather than keeping a lame duck coach? He also denied that Fox was a lame duck coach and felt that we where going to do better than 8-8 record we had the previous season, which is laughable.

At least we know he is willing to spend money on the "nice room" for his press conferences.

He is one sorry guy. He's banished his sons and has done same with this team by being a labor leader; not ateam owner. Yes, the players make alot of money because they are the product. The pedestal on which many hold this guy is ridiculous. Ask the folks who did business with him pre-nfl owner for a true picture of his business ethics and acumen.

I guess Richardson wanted to show the other team owners what a team will look like when you cut the expensive stars and we came in last place. Why interview assistant Manusky when you can get the coach, Marty Schottenheimer or why even let Fox go. Send Fox on a 30day European vacation and get him refreshed and back here. I think, QB - Ryan Mallet of Arkansas might be a better draft or equal to Andy Luck. Mallett has a stronger rocket arm. I think its irresponsible to speak out like he did and play your cards in secret.

Wait a minute.Didn't whimpy scott just tell us 3 days ago that harbaugh was coming to charlotte because he played here....albeit briefly? Scott would make a better weatherman....wishy-washy and wrong most of the time.

I am more discouraged than ever. We don't want Harbaugh, Gruden or Cowher. We clearly don't want winners. This is a disaster waiting to happen and just might be enough to get me to sell PSLs (if anyone would buy them...)

The Panther's problem is the ownership. Non-deep pockets and Huge egos. They can't continue to lose the amounts of money that are required to run a NFL team these days. It's time for a sale. Rumors are that this will be a LA team within two years. They will be made an offer they can't refuse, (with NFL's blessing). They need to get Richarson out of the negotiations and they need a team in LA. Game over Carolina and Bojangle's

i haven't and won't go to a game or buy any more panthers merchandise until they have a winning team and change GM, only 1 word for the panthers right now.CHEAP Andrew Luck stay in college and get your education and let the panthers sink the ship with out you.this coming from a die hard panther fan..JERRY get YOUR check book out and buy us a team and a coach we can be proud of...even sir purr is looking for a new team.

David Caldwell - The media in this town is afraid of Richardson? I'm sorry, but how long have you lived here - two days? In the eyes of the media, Richardson can do no right. They moan and complain when he spends too much (remember Sean Gilbert) and they gripe when they don't think he spends enough. All you moaners and complainers are really starting to make me sick. Put up the kind of money Richardson has put up for this franchise and then maybe, you can speak. Until then . . shut up.

Its hilarious to see these sorryass whiny pisspoor punks and dont have a pot to piss in themselves tell a billionaire NFL owner how to run his own business and hoe cheap he is not to pay these overated union piglett players who need to be cut 50% in salaries across the board like all pro sport pigs.Owners dont need anymore money but thats a different story.

They even go back to his NFL days in ignorance.

Where is their NFL team? They couldnt but a cup of coffee and probably on welfare or food stamps sucking off the guvernment freebies like all these millions of illegals mooching off taxpayers.

With the worst economy in history and gas going to 5 bucks a gallon and these union pigletts want more millions each? Screw them all. Cut them all 50% for starters.

Your Charlotte press people suck. One would think that after a 10 year wait someone from the so called press could ask some decently hard questions. You people were milk-toast and weak. One reporter asked him a question and he turned it back on the reporter and the stupid reporter answered his own question. how embarrassing. Instead of answering the question he should have said "Sir, I'm not the owner you are. It' not about me, it's about YOU answering the questions that your customers want answers to.

I have to be impressed with JR's handling of the press and questions. He did exactly what he wanted and you people went right along. He has a business plan and he's following it. Good for him.

For the press people that are upset that he stopped questions to find out who was asking he's got a right to do so. It's standard procedure to announce who you are when you ask a question of someone you don't know. It seems like the presser was conducted by a bunch of armatures bloggers! Is that what's become of one of the most important aspect of American life? Amateur bloggers? How pathetic

If I were Andrew Luck, I'd tell the Panthers not to waste their draft pick on me. I wouldn't want to come to a team with these jokers running the program, because it's obvious they have no clue. The only thing this brain trust has proven is that they can excel at mediocrity and not even that this year. Hopefully it won't take 40 years to have back to back winning seasons like the Falcons. Now they've had 3 in a row, why? because the people running the organization have some sense. Mr. Richardson, are you taking notes?? I'm sure Mr. Blank and Mr. Kraft can give you some ideas on how to run a franchise.

I was a first time PSL owner and I can remember Jerry talking to the fans before every game that first year. He is the reason I bought my PSL and the reason I sold. He got the PSL money now he does not want to put a good product on the field. I saw this coming and sold my PSL after the awful show in the Super Bowl and doubled my money. I was lucky to bad to the PSL owners that cannot give their PSL's away. Thanks JR................

After watching this Press Conference, I have to wonder if Jerry has lost his marbles. Hurney is a puppet and in my opinion has not done a great job with player selections in the draft. Another assistant NFL coach? Is there a pattern here? Why not fire Hurney and give everthing over to Cowher of Gruden?

Humana, Humana, Humana....that was pathetic. You would have thought he would have gone to speaking school at some point?? Hurney looked like a total yes man and scared to death! Embarassed should be the word as that whole staff left Fox and his staff out to dry this year. Pathetic!Not even considering Harbaugh? Denver, Miami will pounce on him! Does this management staff not get that having Harbaugh as coach may lead to Luck coming out? The two know each other, what better way to start out! Also, it seems Harbaugh is offensive minded which would benefit Panthers for once!

"Three things I did not like about the press conference"1. How about the lack of questions regarding Mr. Hurney and his "job performance"? Where were those questions? 2. How about a direct question regarding the 33rd overall pick (A. Edwards) and who the braintrust was that made that decision?3. How about a question regarding the best player in franchise history and what his status is with the team moving forward (Steve Smith)?

You guys FAILED to ask some very basic questions that everyone wants to know....How does Hurney get a pass with his record? Is it his record alone or does JR have his hand in some of these picks? C'mon guys, you are better than this.

Oh really Mr. Richardson? So you are basically admitting you put a mediocre product out there and had the audacity to raise ticket prices at the beginning of the season. Shame on you. Yes you are running a business, but to the ground sir. Panthers fans have been incredibly loyal despite your mediocre results. Although I was never a John Fox fan, he was undoubtedly the main reason this team reached the SB but those were different times, if you want to succeed -as in any business- you must adapt or perish (see Blockbuster, etc) and nowadays you must have a decent offense. How on earth can you justify keeping Hurney to lead your front office. Please look at his horrible decisions. It is obvious this organization is been ran as a good ol boys joint and with that approach this franchise is doomed (see Wachovia). If it makes you happy I am not buying anything Panthers any time soon to fatten your arrogance.

2. Marty Hurney is STILL an idiot, and has no business anywhere a sports complex

3. Without Jim Harbaugh there is no Andrew Luck here

4. None of those coaching speculations come from a real contender except Harbaugh.

5. There are only 3 college players worthy of a first round pick, so the other 29 picks are basically a waste. This draft class is pathetic, Luck doesnt have to come out, Green has some work to do and "the Prince" is not Deion Sanders "yet'

Tough times, these.Resolution of conflicts on many fronts helps, but more is to come.Once we've jetted off east things will really start looking up.But until then: paint, parking, wood, tables, chairs, sardar, food, drink, lists, healthy doses of work and many more..We're getting there.